Do I need to drop the headliner to replace the sunroof motor?

[mike5]

My sunroof is very slow to open and close, it basically needs my assistance. The tracks don't seem to have any debris issues. Given the low cost of a used motor, if I want to swap it out, is it as simple as removing the cover (where the motor can be manually turned)? Or do I need to drop everything?

 

[off-roader]

probably... what year montero? You can probably download a factory manual for it from mitsubishi links dot com to figure out the proper proceedure to r&r the motor.

 

[mike5]

96 SR LWB.

I looked at the service book and it had a diagram, but I couldn't find anything that said what (if anything) has to be removed first.

 

[off-roader]

Um.... Don't just look at the diagram. The instructions are on that page too showing the order of removal.

You need to go back and review that but yes you will need to remove the liner although you may be able to move it enough to get access. Just be careful you don't damage it during the process. :ylsmoke:

 

[Howah]

simple task when i changed mine, although it's still slow as heck

remove
dome light
sunroof molding
upper side panels

you don't have to drop the headliner

 

[off-roader]

simple task when i changed mine, although it's still slow as heck

remove
dome light
sunroof molding
upper side panels

you don't have to drop the headliner

Howah, so to be clear (for me anyway LOL) you did have to move the headliner down to access it but had enough room to remove the motor? If so, then that's cool for when I'll eventually have to do mine.

 

[mike5]

Howah: so you have a slow sunroof too? Does the sunroof cover/slider move freely? Did you replace your motor with used or new?

 

[off-roader]

Howah: so you have a slow sunroof too? Does the sunroof cover/slider move freely? Did you replace your motor with used or new?

Mike5, mine in my 96sr is also slow but I rarely ever open itso it's not a major thing for me.

 

[Howah]

only the rear portion on the front liner comes down not need to remove. i replace it with a used unit that came with the sunroof assemble i got from s&r recycler.
mine is still slow.

i won't be able to open mine if it's parked underneath a tree that saps a lot.

check your power/grnd to/from sunroof relay.

 

[off-roader]

only the rear portion on the front liner comes down not need to remove. i replace it with a used unit that came with the sunroof assemble i got from s&r recycler.
mine is still slow.

Your tracks are probably clogged up with dirt/debris//sap and need to be cleaned. Never done it before simply because I rarely use it. The longer it stays dirty, the harder your motor has to work and eventually it dies requiring the replacement.